CHATTOGRAM, Jan 28, 2026 (BSS) – Speakers at a training workshop here today called upon journalists to uphold professional ethics and adhere to rules and regulations while performing their duties in covering the upcoming election scheduled for February 12.

The training workshop, titled “Prevention of Distorted Journalism by Mass Media and Presentation of Objective News,” was organised by the Bangladesh Press Council (BPC).

Around 50 media workers from national and local dailies, broadcast and online media participated in the workshop held at the conference room of Chattogram Circuit House this morning.

BPC Chairman Justice A K M Abdul Hakim attended the workshop as the chief guest, while Chattogram Divisional Commissioner and Returning Officer Dr Md Ziauddin and BPC Secretary Md Abdus Sabur spoke at the function as resource persons. Foysal Ahmed, Additional Commissioner (Crime and Operations) of Chattogram Metropolitan Police, also took part in the workshop, which was presided over by Chattogram Deputy Commissioner Zahidul Islam Meah.

Addressing the function, Justice Hakim said journalists, as the conscience of the nation, must keep themselves above any form of direct political affiliation while performing their professional duties.

“There should be a visible and strong boundary between journalism and personal political belief. Otherwise, objective reporting and the non-partisan role of a journalist cannot be maintained, which may cause distortion of facts and loss of media credibility,” he said.

Justice Hakim also laid emphasis on the strict implementation of codes of conduct, bringing discipline to the profession through the introduction of professional recognition and certification under a regulatory body, alongside provisions for punitive measures against professional misconduct and ethical violations.

“You have to utilise the inherent power of the journalism profession in the greater interest of the nation and the welfare of society, while adhering to existing laws and respecting social and religious values,” he added.

Chattogram Divisional Commissioner and Returning Officer Dr Md Ziauddin said the media could play an important role in holding a credible, fair and peaceful election so that the country’s image is brightened in the global democratic arena.

Later, the BPC Chairman distributed certificates among the participants.